PetSmart Training Service

PetSmart offers baic obedience training at their JFK Rd. location in Dubuque. I recommend Becky Echtenkamp. I have participated in her classes for a little over a year. Becky has a pleasant personality and a degree in Zoology. She has experience training otters as well as dogs, and hence knows something about animal behavior. She uses reward-based training and incorporates clicker training in her classes. I know of no other trainer, beside myself that uses clickers in training in the area.

Although PetSmart offers Intermediate and Advanced classes there is no off leash training or real advanced work taught. Becky does individualize training however, within the scope of the PetSmart curriculum. I take my dog for the socialization and training with distractions.

Becky is my first recommendation for a trainer in the Dubuque and surrounding areas.

Pros: Positive reinforcement methods; clicker training; preparation exercises for CGC testing; training in distractive environment of store

Cons: No real intermediate or advanced classes taught

I loved this trainer! He knows what he is talking about and loves the animals! We only took Paige out for a refresher, but it went so well.

Pros: Very knowledgeable!

Cons: Lots of distraction